7 Most Anticipated Cars of 2017

We can almost feel the excitement here. Somehow, amidst the calamities, unprecedented political wins, and extrajudicial killings, there are still vehicles that offer something that car lovers can smile about. Yes, these vehicles make us look at innovation, design, and technology in more interesting ways. And somehow, serious words like “economy” and "reduction" sound more pleasant to our ears, gliding smoothly within our senses like churned butter on warm toast. Indeed, they're definitely worth waiting for, as the new year kicks into full gear with these highly anticipated cars of 2017:

1. Chevrolet Bolt (2017)

It’s an entry-level electronic vehicle, but it looks like it has passed through many generations of updates and refinement. Think of it as an old vehicle wrapped in a new car’s body -- but way cooler to look at every time.

Named as Car of the Year 2017 by Motor Trend, the Chevrolet Bolt offers spectacular features, like Electronic Precision Shift, Michelin self-sealing tires, 10.2-inch diagonal color touch-screen, rear vision camera, 8-inch diagonal driver cluster, surround vision, and one-pedal driving. What’s more, it’s quite a head-turner on its own, with beautifully-sculpted proportions that look good at all angles.

2. Honda Civic Type R (2017)

This high-performance, 5-door hatchback should be spelled H-O-T in bold letters. It seems the Japanese automaker continues to ride high with this most ambitious, sporty Civic lineup, carrying an aggressive front fascia, carbon fiber side skirts, black alloy tires with red accents, and smoked LED headlamps to finish off its handsome look.

Based on the Mk10 hatchback, the Type R features 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine that was designed and engineered in Japan. It’s sharper, more performance-driven -- and it’s not for the low-key driver who likes to drive over cobblestones for fun. No, it’s for those with a lot of adrenaline to spare, since the Type R’s drivetrain, chassis and suspension are designed for some gut-wrenching power punches that get you in the zone.

The Honda Civic Type R is slated to go head-to-head with the 2017 Ford Focus RS. We can’t wait to find out who wins on top.

3. Ford Focus RS (2017)

Speaking of Ford Focus, this car now boasts of a sharper design and a hefty strut to complete its look. Despite this, the Ford Focus RS has always gotten good feedback from drivers and car experts alike, so we won’t be surprised if it grows more popular over the years. Ford has made some tweaks in the 2017 edition, with a revised bodywork that boasts of better engine and cooling features.

Available in Sedan and Hatchback, the Ford Focus RS boasts of Active Park Assist, Reverse Sensing System, Voice Activated Sync-3, MyKey, Standard Torque Vector Control and PowerShift transmission for fuel efficiency and dynamic performance in one. It’s the perfect car for busy professionals who like to work hard and play hard(er).

4. Honda Ridgeline (2017)

After two years of hibernation, this revived, uni-body mid-sizer is now back with a new design and better technology than ever.

When it was first launched, the first-generation Ridgeline offered novel features like a recessed, lockable beer cooler or trunk and a two-way tailgate. Its build is a stronger version of Honda’s light-truck platform, Acura MDX (2014) and the newer version of Honda Pilot, with the latter one most especially evident in its direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6, six-speed automatic, and four-wheel-drive system.

Named Best Mid-Size Pickup by Car and Driver (part of its 2017 10 Best Trucks and SUVs Award), the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is a truckload of ingenuity that combines the functionality of a truck and more upscale interior amenities that can seat 5 people. It’s available in RT, RTS, and Sport variants.

5. Lexus LC Coupe (2017)

The Lexus has always been conspicuously silent when it came to the luxury coupe sector, but things will definitely change when the Lexus LC will make its huge presence known in 2017. From the get-go, this car is a COMPLETE head-turner anywhere you go (note the all-caps here). The Lexus LC Coupe has gotten good marks in looks and performance capabilities from car critics. It has also received high accolades at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show for best interior design and best production car.

Slated to make Mercedes S-Class Coupe work up a sweat, Lexus LC Coupe is powered by a 467-horsepower V8 engine that can go from 0-100 kph in 4.5 seconds. Its Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System gives better performance and efficiency on the road, so driving is one pleasurable experience altogether. Athletically-shaped with a lower stance and race-ready seats, this car was meant to slice through the wind fast.

6. BMW-5 Series (2017)

The 5-Series is considered one of BMW’s most important cars in 2017 for one important reason: its success will allow it to take back its reign from Mercedes Benz as the luxury car maker of the world.

Right now, Mercedes-Benz is beating BMW to a pulp due to its two most popular vehicles to date: the C-Class and E-Class. Changes in the company's design direction from Stuttgart has been a major hit from public consumers -- and their humongous sales are the icing on the cake. On the other hand, BMW has continued to play it safe, and has only made minimal changes in its models along the way.

So, the pressure is on for BMW to take back its reign; otherwise, it will be eclipsed not just by Mercedes, but also from other potential cut-throat rivals like the Audi A6 and Jaguar XF.

Now on its seventh generation, the 5 Series looks like a 3 Series that drives like a 7 Series -- which was the aim of BMW right from the start. It now sits on a new chassis similar to the platform used on the 7 Series, sans the carbon fiber core. The ample use of aluminum and alloy takes out an excess of 100 kg of weight in its body, making it leaner and efficient than ever.

Some of its most innovative features include: 8 different massage programs with 3 different intensity modes, Adaptive Mode that adapts to your driving style based on the route, curves, road conditions, and even intersections. What’s really cool are the forward facing camera, radar sensors, and ultrasound sensors to help you drive in semi-autonomous mode.

Another technology worth noting is the Driver Assistance System. This state-of-the art feature allows you to automate your driving so you can rest and relax even during long trips and heavy traffic -- perfect for Metro Manila drivers.

7. Mercedes Benz E-Class (2017)

Now that we’ve given ample airtime for BMW 5, we think it’s discriminately fair to discuss the reigning luxury vehicle sales champion, the Mercedes Benz E-Class. Now with upgraded interiors, high-tech goodies to enjoy, and better fuel-efficient engine, it seems that the unstoppable E-Class is hell-bent on maintaining its reign as the proud usurper of the much-loved BMW X5. And for now, it seriously has the winning edge.

The 10th generation of the company’s respectable E-Class now has a newer transmission, with better, well-timed shifts. The stop-start system is the smoothest than it has ever been. It has the same torque calibration, but with the engine’s horsepower lowered by 61.

The X5 is loaded with new technology. It boasts of a 12.3-inch-high-definition COMAND screen for the navigation system and multiple-angle cameras. What’s neat about the camera is that it also gives you a view of your front wheels while you park. Other great pluses include intuitive swipe and click motion that can toggle between audio, navigation, phone, and more.

The Parking Pilot is another great feature we'd like to point out. Simply put, it will look for a parking space for you. When it finds a good spot, then you can choose between backing up or pulling your car in -- and the vehicle takes care of the rest. How neat is that? So those frustrating parking nightmares you experience when going to shopping malls and other commercial establishments are a thing of the past now, thanks to the practical ingenuity of a German company that has stood the test of time.